NFL Week 4 Recap

A game by game breakdown of week 4 in the NFL.

Jesse Baar, Writer

Dolphins (15) @ Bengals (27)
MIA: The undefeated Dolphins went into this game with confidence. Tua Tagovailoa picked up 110 yards, no touchdowns, 1 interception, before having to leave the game due to injury. The backup, Teddy Bridgewater came in and finished the game with 193 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Almost all the yards through the air this week coming off the arms of Tyreek Hill, picking up 160 yards without a touchdown. On the ground, the Dolphins picked up 85 yards with 69 of those belonging to Raheem Mostert. On defense, the Dolphins picked up a single sack, no interceptions, and no fumbles. If the Dolphins wish to bring back the steam, Tua will need to get healthy.
CIN: A week after their first win of the season, The Bengals put up another good performance. Joe Burrow picked up 287 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. 124 of those yards belonging to Tee Higgins who managed to snag a touchdown. On the ground, Joe Mixon picked up 61 yards on 24 carries and hitting paydirt once. The defense this week picked up 2 interceptions and 1 sack. However, giving up 160 yards to a single reciever is something that will need to change going forward.

Vikings (28) @ Saints (25)
NO: From across the pond in the UK, the Saints nearly kicked a game tying field goal against the Vikings to bring the game into overtime. Unfortunately for the Saints, this field goal attempt would prove unfruitful. Coming off the Bench, Andy Dalton picked up 236 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. On the ground, the Saints picked up 111 yards without Alvin Kamara. They also picked up over 100 yards in penalties. While they didn’t throw any interceptions, the Saints gave up two fumbles to the Vikings. On defense, the Saints picked up an interception and held Dalvin Cook to 76 yards with no touchdowns.
MIN: Kirk Cousins had yet another big game in the air, throwing for over 273 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. 147 of those yards belonging to Justin Jefferson. Dalvin Cook had a relatively quiet game averaging just under 4 yards a carry. The defense nearly let the Saints bring the game into overtime, luckily for them the kicker choked. The Vikings are now tied for the top position in the NFC North.

Seahawks (48) @ Lions (45)
DET: Yet another heartbreaking loss for the Lions, this time losing it due to a failed onside kick. Jared Goff had a great game with 378 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a single interception. Jared Goff hit 8 different receivers, most predominantly T.J. Hockenson who picked up 179 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the ground, the Lions picked up 145 yards with over 100 going to Jamaal Williams. Despite the late game comeback by the Lions, the defense just couldn’t manage to stop the Seahawks from scoring.
SEA: Coming off two disappointing losses, the Seahawks came into Detroit to play. With 555 total yards of scrimmage, the Seahawks proved their point. Geno Smith accumulated 320 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. D.K. Metcalf picked up 149 of these yards while Tyler Lockett went for 91. On the ground, Rashaad Penny ran for 151 yards with 2 touchdowns. Penny averaged 8.9 yards a carry. The rest of the team ran for 64 yards. The defense played a slightly better game than Detroit, picking up a sack, a fumble recovery, and an interception. While this victory was against one of the more mediocre teams, if the Seahawks continue to play like this they may see some success this season.

Jets (24) @ Steelers (20)
PIT: Going into this game with 2 straight losses, the Steelers turned this streak to 3 due to a sloppy game on offense. Trubisky and Pickett picked up 204 yards combined and 4 interceptions combined. The offensive line didn’t help either, giving up 3 sacks. Neither quarterback scored a touchdown through the air. Pickett did manage to score 2 touchdowns on the ground. Speaking of the ground, the Steelers picked up 119 yards rushing with Najee Harris running for 74 on 18 carries. The defense did what they could, grabbing a sack and 2 interceptions.
NYJ: Hopping off the Joe Flacco train, the Jets brought back in Zach Wilson. Wilson came back and threw for 252 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Wilson also picked up 2 yards receiving. On the ground, the Jets picked up 98 yards. The defense came in big with 3 sacks and 4 interceptions. With a New England loss, the Jets may be able squeak their up the AFC rankings.

Bears (12) @ Giants (20)
CHI: Inside a tough NFC North, the Bears needed a victory to keep an equal record with the Vikings and Packers. However, as the Beara tend to do, they just kept on giving up sacks. This week giving up 6. That along with 3 lost fumbles went proves that the Bears offense needs a lot of improving. Justin Fields, having no help, was only able pick up 11 completions for 174 yards with no touchdowns. On the ground, the Bears picked up 149 yards which was completely overshadowed by the Giants run game. Speaking of which, the defense this week was smoked by the giants on the ground. That offensive line desperately needs help if Justin Fields is going to improve.
NYG: Improving to 3-1 in the toughest division of football, the Giants have a lackluster pass game and a blockbuster run game. Daniel Jones only completing 8 passes for 71 yards. Daniel Jones opted to hand the ball off rather than throw. Handing the ball off to Saquon Barkley 31 times. Saquon picked up 146 yards. Even Daniel Jones joined in on the fun, running 6 times and picking up 68 yards. In total, the Giants picked up 262 yards on the ground. The defense this week improved greatly. Those 6 sacks however should be asterisked considering the Bears atrocious o-line. Next week they got a big game in Green Bay, a win will certainly solidify them in the NFC.

Titans (24) @ Colts (17)
IND: In a game that will certainly come back to bite them, the Colts fall short against the Titans despite a strong performance by Matt Ryan. Matt picking up 356 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. What really killed the Colts this week was their inability to get the run game going. Jonathan Taylor only picking up 42 yards on 20 carries. Three turnovers on offense didn’t help the Colts either. On defense, the Colts couldn’t manage to force a turnover. The only positive to come out of this week was their 3 sacks. 3 was also the amount of sacks the o-line let up. In a relatively easy AFC South, the Colts need some ground to make up in order to get back to the top.
TEN: In a game that pushed the Titans back up the AFC South rankings, they began looking like themselves again. By that it means Derrick Henry pounded the rock every chance he could, picking up 114 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Tannehill had a decent game as well, gathering 137 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The defense helped close out a late game comeback. Picking up 3 turnovers and 3 sacks. The AFC South is still anybodys to claim, except of course Houston. Speaking of which…

Chargers (34) @ Texans (24)
HOU: Uh oh, things aren’t looking good. Now being the only remaining team without any victories, the Texans are desperate for some hope to save this season. A squash at home certainly isn’t going to help. Squash is putting it too harshly. The Texans did pick up an impressive 215 yards through the air and 131 on the ground. However, 4 sacks and 2 interceptions proves the offense has a lot to improve upon. The defense did pick up a sack and a fumble but they also let up 419 total yards of scrimmage. If the Texans wish to salvage this season, a win next week is gonna be crucial in the long run.
LAC: After a brutal loss last week to the Jaguars, the Chargers needed a win to keep up with the Chiefs and Broncos. Thanks to a strong showing by Justin Herbert, they received this win. Herbert threw for 340 yards and 2 touchdowns, no interceptions either. On the ground, things are still a bit stagnant. The Chargers only picked up 81 yards on the ground compared to the Texans’ 131. The defense came in strong and picked up 2 interceptions and 4 sacks. As it’s been said the past few weeks, the running game needs to improve.

Browns (20) @ Falcons (23)
CLE: Coming off a strong showing in Cleveland, the Browns couldn’t keep the heat alive as they went on the road down south. Jacoby Brisset picked up 234 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Nick Chubb had a Nick Chubb game and ran for 118 yards and a touchdown. On defense, the team couldn’t pick up many turnovers, only 1 in total. In all, it was anyone’s game but those 2 turnovers would prove the nail in the coffin.
ATL: Returning home from their first win of the season, the Falcons push their record to 2-2. Was this a game the Falcons deserved to win? Yes and no. On one hand, the Falcons put up less yardage than the Browns through the air. Marcus Mariota picking up 139 with an interception and no touchdowns. On the other hand, The Falcons put up more yards on the ground than the Browns. Putting up more yards than Nick Chubb is impressive in its own way. The Falcons also grabbed 2 turnovers while only letting up 1. If the Falcons look to keep their winning streak going, Mariota will need to see some improvement.

Commanders (10) @ Cowboys (25)
WAS: Returning from last week’s disaster against their division rivals, the Eagles. The Commanders suffer a disaster against their division rivals, the Cowboys. Carson Wentz was only able to pick up 170 yards and 1 touchdown with 2 interceptions. At least this week he was only sacked 3 times. On the ground, the Commanders yardage was double that of the Cowboys; 142 over 62. That’s really the only positive coming from the offense this week. On defense, the Commanders couldn’t turn the ball over once. As previously mentioned, the defense did hold the Cowboys to 62 yards rushing. Through the air however the Commanders let up yet another victory to the backup Cooper Rush. Speaking of which…
DAL: Cooper Rush does it again. Through his 3 games as a starter. Rush has picked up 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. This game picking up 2. His yardage this week also saw an improvement from last, picking up 223 yards. Ezekiel Elliot this week couldn’t get it going. Running 19 times and only picking up 49 yards. With yet another dominant performance, is Cooper Rush setting himself up for a big payday?

Jaguars (21) @ Eagles (29)
JAC: Coming off last weeks dominant performance against the Chargers, the Jaguars had to face the only remaining undefeated team in the league. Trevor Lawrence saw a decline from last week, this week picking up 174 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. On the ground, the Jaguars only ran it 20 times in total. Of those 20 rushes, they only picked up 71 yards. The turnovers this week came plentiful. The Jaguars let up 4 fumbles and the aforementioned interception. The defense was only able to pick up one turnover.
PHI: Remaining the lone undefeated team in the NFL, the Eagles managed to come back from 14 point deficit and close out the game in the 4th. The passing game this week wasn’t as impressive as weeks previous. Jalen Hurts picked up 204 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. The real showing was on the ground game. Miles Sanders ran the ball for 134 yards and picking up a pair of touchdowns. The other 2 Eagles touchdowns came from the ground as well. In total, the Eagles ran the ball for over 210 yards.

Bill’s (23) @ Ravens (20)
BAL: This week Lamar Jacksons legs couldn’t save the Ravens. That wasn’t for a lack of trying. The Ravens had control of the majority of the game. However, they just couldn’t stop a late game comeback by the Bill’s. Speaking of Lamar, he threw for 144 yards and ran for 73. Lamar threw for only 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions while running for 0. Holding Lamar to only 117 yards is pretty impressive.
BUF: Coming off a shocking loss last week, the Bill’s come back and win big. Thankfully for them, the Dolphins lost this week also. Josh Allen threw for 213 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. On the ground, Josh Allen picked up 70 yards, only 3 shy of Lamar. The o-line let up 2 sacks while the defense only picked up 1. With Tua still under concussion protocol, the Bill’s have a chance to take back the AFC East next week.

Cardinals (26) @ Panthers (16)
CAR: Coming off their first win of the season, the Panthers drop down to 1-3 due to a poor showing by the run game. Christian McCaffrey had a shocking 27 yards. Through the air, Baker Mayfield threw 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown, and 197 total yards. The offense let up 3 turnovers while the defense only picked up 1.
ARI: Coming off a loss to their division rivals, the Cardinals went back on the road to win big against the Panthers. Totaling 338 yards of scrimmage, 206 through the air and 132 on the ground. Along with those 200 yards, Kyler Murray also picked up 2 touchdowns and an interception. Meanwhile James Conner picked up the majority of the running yards, 55 that is. Next week the Cardinals will be back home against the undefeated Eagles, certainly a tough game approaching.
Broncos (23) @ Raiders (32)
DEN: In the first division rivalry matchup of the season, the Denvers give the Raiders their first win of the season. Russell Wilson’s 237 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions wasn’t enough to push the Broncos over. Due in large part to a weak run game, only picking up 85 yards compared to the Raiders 212. Things weren’t made easy for Russ with 3 sacks knocking him down. The defense picked up a pair of sacks and no turnovers. With this loss, the Broncos fall to 3rd(t) in the West.
LV: With things looking down for the Raiders, a commanding division win will certainly boost some confidence back in the team. Josh Jacob’s exploded for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile Derek Carr had a relatively slow game with 188 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. Almost all the yardage going to Davante Adam’s who picked up 101 yards. The defense picked up a single fumble and no interceptions. While there is still a long season ahead of them, the Raiders are on the right track.

Patriots (24) @ Packers (27)
NE: Out with Mac Jones, in with Brian Hoyer, out with Bryan Hoyer, in with with Bailey Zappe. With the 3rd string quarterback coming out onto the field, this game should’ve been over far sooner than it was. However, due to botched delay of game call that led to a touchdown, the Patriots managed to stay alive and bring the game into overtime. Mostly because of their defense, which came out with 2 turnovers. On offense, the 3rd string Zappe threw for 99 yards and 1 touchdown. The Patriots opted to run the ball more than pass it. In total, the Patriots ran for 167 yards. Now dropping to dead last in the AFC East, the Patriots need to fix a lot and quick. They were 1-3 to start last season from which they ended up in the playoffs so never say never.
GB: One week after beating Tom Brady, the Packers beat Bill Belichick. During this game, Aaron Rodgers threw his 500th career touchdown. That along with another touchdown, 251 yards and an interception. That interception being one of the only pick sixes Rodgers has thrown at home. Nevertheless, the Packers brought the game into overtime where they had possession of the ball twice. Their second overtime drive ending with a game winning field goal.

Chiefs (41) @ Bucaneers (31)
TB: It’s rare to see Tom Brady lose 2 straight, when you’re up against Patrick Mahomes you have to expect anything. This being the 6th and potentially last time these quarterbacks meet, the Bucaneers just couldn’t slow down the Chiefs. Brady had a stellar game with 385 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Another stat to keep in mind however is that 52 out of the 59 total plays this game were pass attempts. The ground game was nonexistent. Only handing the ball off 6 times for a laughable 3 yards. Tom did have his best wide-out Mike Evans back. The Bucaneers defense did what they could against Patrick Mahomes, but that just wasn’t enough.
KC: What a game by Patrick Mahomes. 249 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. 92 of these yards going to his main target, Travis Kelce. The ground game this week saw an improvement. Clyde Edwards-Helaire running for 92 yards and a touchdown, just slightly over the Bucaneers total run yardage. With a loss in Denver, the Chiefs now hold total control over the AFC West.

Rams (9) @ 49ers (24)
LAR: This is certainly a huge loss for the Rams. Now placing them at 2nd place in the AFC West. Matthew Stafford couldn’t find the endzone once. He did find the gloves of a 49ers player however. Ending the game with 254 yards from garbage time, 122 going to Cooper Kupp. The running game was weak, rushing for only 57 yards. The star of the Rams this week is kicker Matt Gay, scoring all 9 points.
SF: Just when things were looking bad for Jimmy Garoppolo, he came out and did a Jimmy G thing. Throwing for 239 yards and a touchdown. Deebo Samuel pulling the ball down 6 times for 115 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was average, running for a total of 88 yards. On defense, the d-line came in big. Picking up 7 sacks! That along with 2 turnovers helped shut down the Rams. The 49ers now sit atop the NFC West.